ICMR Nursing JRF 2026 Important Dates
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducts the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) examination for Nursing Stream to select M.Sc. Nursing graduates for Ph.D. research under ICMR fellowship support. Candidates aspiring to appear for the ICMR Nursing JRF 2026 must keep track of the official timeline to avoid missing critical deadlines. Below is a comprehensive overview of the expected schedule based on previous cycles. Always confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official notification before applying.
Registration Window (Open and Close)
The online registration for ICMR Nursing JRF 2026 is expected to open in early 2026. The application window typically remains open for 3 to 4 weeks. Candidates must fill the application form on the official ICMR website (https://www.icmr.gov.in/) within this period. Late applications are not entertained unless a late fee window is announced. The registration fee is ₹1500 (verify with official source for current year). Candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) should check for any fee concession in the official notification.
Application Correction Window
After the initial registration closes, ICMR usually provides a limited correction window of about 5 to 7 days. During this period, candidates can modify certain fields in their application form, such as personal details, educational qualifications, and exam city preference. However, changes to the photograph, signature, or category are generally not allowed. It is advisable to fill the form carefully the first time and use the correction window only for genuine errors.
Admit Card Release
The admit card for ICMR Nursing JRF 2026 is expected to be released 2 to 3 weeks before the exam date. Candidates can download the hall ticket from the ICMR website using their registration number and date of birth. The admit card will contain the exam date, time, venue, and important instructions. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam hall without a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
Exam Day Schedule
The ICMR Nursing JRF 2026 exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The duration is 120 minutes (2 hours). The exam is typically held in a single shift, though multiple shifts may be arranged depending on the number of candidates. The marking scheme is: +1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer, and 0 for unattempted questions. The maximum marks are 100. Candidates should reach the exam centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time for security checks and biometric verification.
Result and Answer Key Release
The provisional answer key is usually released within 2 to 3 weeks after the exam. Candidates can raise objections against the answer key within a stipulated period (typically 3 to 5 days). The final answer key and result are declared approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the exam. The result is published on the ICMR website as a merit list of qualified candidates. There is no separate scorecard; the merit list serves as the result. Candidates who qualify are eligible for the counselling process.
Counselling Timeline (if applicable)
Counselling for ICMR Nursing JRF is conducted for candidates who have qualified in the written exam. The counselling schedule is announced after the result declaration. It involves document verification, choice filling, and seat allocation for the fellowship. The counselling process may be conducted online or offline, depending on the number of candidates. Candidates must bring original documents (M.Sc. Nursing degree, mark sheets, category certificate, age proof, etc.) for verification. The entire counselling process is typically completed within 2 to 3 months after the result.
Preparation Tips for ICMR Nursing JRF 2026
To excel in the exam, candidates should focus on the core nursing subjects, research methodology, and biostatistics. Practicing with mock tests on PractiseExam.com can help you understand the exam pattern, improve time management, and identify weak areas. Additionally, refer to the official ICMR syllabus and previous years' question papers. For a detailed study plan, check our preparation strategy page and best books for ICMR Nursing JRF.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will ICMR Nursing JRF 2026 registration start? The registration is expected to open in early 2026. The exact date will be announced via the official notification on the ICMR website.
2. What is the exam fee for ICMR Nursing JRF 2026? The fee is ₹1500 (verify with official source for current year). Concessions may apply for reserved categories.
3. How can I download the admit card? The admit card will be available on the ICMR website 2-3 weeks before the exam. Use your registration number and date of birth to download.
4. What is the marking scheme for the exam? +1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer, and 0 for unattempted questions. Maximum marks: 100.
5. When will the result be declared? The result is typically released 4-6 weeks after the exam. The exact date will be mentioned in the official notification.
6. Is counselling conducted for ICMR Nursing JRF? Yes, counselling is conducted for qualified candidates. The schedule is announced after the result declaration.